Thank you for contacting me regarding the certification of the Electoral College vote on January 6, 2021. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this important matter.

On January 6, 2021, the quadrennial joint session of Congress to count the Electoral College votes of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. was disrupted when demonstrators stormed the Capitol, fought with law enforcement, and attempted to disrupt our democracy. This stunning display of disrespect for the law is un-American, and those that attacked the Capitol should face the full extent of the law. I applaud the U.S. Capitol Police officers who stood bravely in harm's way, and am deeply grateful to all of the law enforcement professionals and first responders who deployed to help restore order. This assault did not succeed in deterring or intimidating Congress, and we ultimately reconvened and certified the vote of the Electoral College. The violence we saw only underscores the importance of our duty as lawmakers to support and defend the Constitution. Americans deserve better than the disturbing and avoidable episode that played out at our nation's Capitol. It is incumbent upon us to demand better from each other.

The Constitution affords all Americans the right to vote, and integrity of our elections is fundamental to preserving this right. Many Americans are concerned about the integrity of the election, and I share the belief that allegations of irregularities and fraud need to be investigated to their fullest extent. At a time when trust in our institutions is near an all-time-low, we must remain vigilant and continue to work together to preserve the right to vote and improve our election procedures. To that end, I believe that establishing an independent, bipartisan commission - much like was done following the 2000 and 2004 elections - to examine election irregularities and establish best practices is an important response.

President Trump's legal team filed numerous lawsuits across multiple states challenging the election outcome. I fully supported President Trump's right to challenge those results and pursue legal remedies provided under the Constitution, as well as federal and state law. However, none of the legal arguments or evidence presented by the President's legal team convinced the more than 50 state and federal courts that sat in judgment. Every single lawsuit was ultimately rejected, some on the merits, some on procedural grounds, but both equally dispositive. These lawsuits were heard by well-respected jurists - many of whom were nominated by President Trump himself.

As a former judge, I approached the certification of the Electoral College vote with the same impartial, evidence-based decision-making as I did my job on the bench. But as I said before January 6th, I do not view my job under the Constitution and laws of the United States as a court of last resort. I followed the election recounts and court cases brought by the President's legal team very closely, and determined the evidence and arguments presented did not warrant overturning the election results.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent Texas in the United States Senate. Thank you for your comments on this important issue.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN United States Senator

517 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Tel: (202) 224-2934 Fax: (202) 228-2856 http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

I know some of you think this may not be a big deal, but I feel it was a personal accomplishment. I successfully went to the gym and did some Whole Foods shopping without a freakin’ mask. The lady at Whole Foods tried to give me one, but I just said “no thanks” and kept walking. I can’t even convince my husband to ditch his. He’s always worried the police will be called on us.

Accidentally muted our VP during a TEAMS call (with over 146 participants) when he was discussing racism and the Blake incident. I was trying to mute just on my end, so I didn’t have to listen to the corporate crap, but apparently I muted him from speaking, and then no one could hear him. No one knew what happened and figured it was a problem on his end. 🙊 OOPS!!

We know that COVID-19 has presented everyone – individuals, businesses and governments alike – with significant challenges. Among these challenges is deciphering what is fact versus myth. Some assertions that have been made simply do not have data or facts to support them. Therefore, along with hundreds of other health and fitness operators across the nation, we’re sharing the following facts and data with you about the current situation and its impact on our society.

The programs and services this industry provides are crucial to personal and overall public health. We now are aware of data from world-leading health organizations that individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions are at significantly increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 as compared to those without these underlying conditions. Yet, some messaging has advanced an anti-club narrative. Even worse, this is occurring at a time when the public needs these essential services the most. Therefore, we believe the next three points are critical for your review: There is no evidence that health and fitness facilities are contributing to the spread of COVID-19 differently than other businesses that continue to operate. Health clubs across the country have implemented some of the most robust COVID-19 safety protocols that exist, and they are proving effective at keeping their members and employees safe: Since mid-May, Life Time has fully or partially reopened 125 clubs in 24 states and, as of early August, we’ve recorded more than 7.7 million visits. During this time, we have received reports of fewer than 400 (or .005%) members and employees who have tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, clubs (unlike most other businesses) have always had a built-in capability for contact tracing since we know which members are in the club at any point in time. Most importantly, in following protocols to determine who else may have come into contact with those reported cases, we are not aware of any case that originated in our clubs. This also aligns with broader industry data. For example, in a survey of 2,877 health clubs with 49.4 million total check-ins, only 1,155 positive cases were reported through August 5, 2020, according to fitness industry consultant, Blair McHaney of MXM. This also represents a virus-to-check-in ratio of less than .005%. Norwegian public health researchers found no COVID-19 transmissions associated with fitness centers in a randomized trial of more than 3,000 members of clubs offering typical fitness services, including higher intensity exercises, with mitigation protocols that were simple and easy to adhere to. In fact, the protocols tested successfully in Norway were even more modest than those adopted by U.S. fitness operators. As a result, Norway reopened its gyms nationwide. You’re a member, not a customer. This distinction is very important. Members have more pride of ownership in their club than customers of other businesses. Just like employees, members are much more likely to understand and adhere to required health and safety protocols than random customers. This allows the clubs to execute much more consistently to keep members and employees safe. Without a vaccine or proven medication, our own immune system is the best defense we have. Healthier people – even if infected – are less likely to require hospital care, easing pressures on our health care systems. Health and fitness clubs play a vital role in this by helping members improve their physical and mental wellness and reduce key risk factors. In conclusion: There are no facts or data to support the assertion that clubs are spreading COVID-19; In fact, clubs can only help – not hurt – during this unfortunate situation; and, As an industry, we are passionate and committed to the health and wellbeing of our members and our communities. If you agree, please feel free to share this message with others.